The Rural Way

Tracy Schira-Parker, CPA, CMA, ACC
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

The Rural Way is the podcast for those of us building businesses and leading lives in places where things aren't handed to us and and success often looks a little different. I'm Tracy Schira-Parker, CPA and business strategist, and this podcast is where we talk real strategy, real money, and real leadership for rural entrepreneurs and small-town business owners. I don't believe in fluff or complicating things. Just honest conversations, practical tools, and mindset shifts that helps you grow a strong, profitable business while living the lifestyle that actually feels good to live.

  1. May 21

    05: My stance on AI tools (at this time)

    What happens when AI starts replacing the people behind the content? In this episode of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker shares her honest thoughts on AI, authenticity, and the growing pressure for creators and business owners to automate everything. This conversation explores the balance between using AI as a helpful business tool versus allowing it to replace real human connection. Tracy breaks down the tools she's personally using, what she finds genuinely useful, and the areas where she believes authenticity still matters most. This episode explores: · The difference between using AI as a tool versus a replacement · Why Tracy won't use AI-generated podcast voices or avatars · The AI platforms she's currently experimenting with in business · How tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Canva AI, and Riverside are evolving · The risks of over-polished and inauthentic content · Where AI can save significant time in operations and planning · The future of AI in agriculture and rural business This is a grounded conversation for business owners, creators, and rural entrepreneurs trying to navigate AI without losing the human side of what they do. Facebook: www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker SKOOL: https://www.skool.com/the-rural-way-7236

    13 min

  2. May 19

    04: The Mental Load Women Carry

    "Manic May" is what Tracy Schira-Parker used to call the season where everything collided at once — kids' sports, long drives, farm life, business responsibilities, housework, exhaustion, and the constant mental load of trying to keep everything running. In this episode of The Rural Way, Tracy shares the lessons she learned raising four kids through years of competitive sports while balancing rural life, entrepreneurship, and the pressure to "do it all." This conversation explores the systems, routines, and mindset shifts that helped reduce chaos, along with the things she wishes she had done sooner. This episode explores: · The mental load carried by mothers and caregivers · Decision fatigue and why batching decisions matters · Creating household systems that reduce overwhelm · Delegation, responsibility, and raising capable kids · Managing busy sports seasons and family schedules · The importance of nervous system regulation and recovery · Letting go of perfection during demanding seasons · How to identify what's truly urgent and important This is an honest conversation for women navigating busy seasons of life and trying to build systems that support both their family and themselves. Let's connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker

    33 min

  3. May 8

    03: Why Rural? | The Niche Everyone Told Me Not to Choose

    Why rural—and why build something around it when most people tell you to go broader? In Episode 3 of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker shares the real reason she chose to focus on rural communities. This isn't about limiting yourself—it's about speaking to people whose reality is often overlooked. From access and opportunity to isolation and lifestyle, this episode highlights what makes rural business different—and why those differences matter. If you've ever felt like most advice doesn't quite fit your situation, this will resonate. This episode explores: - Why choosing a clear niche can actually open more doors - What it's really like running a business in a rural setting - The lack of conversations for small town entrepreneurs - Differences between rural and urban life that affect business - The strengths that come with living and working in rural areas - Feeling isolated—and why these conversations matter - Who this podcast is for The Rural Way is for people building something real, wherever they are. Let's connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker

    19 min

  4. May 8

    02: The Way We Roll | Our House Rules and Boundaries

    What kind of conversations are we really having here? In Episode 2 of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker sets the foundation for the podcast outlining the boundaries, expectations, and principles behind the platform. This episode is all about clarity defining how conversations will be approached, what values guide the space, and why growth requires open-minded thinking. This episode explores: - The importance of boundaries in leadership and communication - Why it's okay to change your mind and evolve your beliefs - Creating a respectful and intentional community - Navigating different perspectives without conflict - Who this podcast is designed for - Challenging traditional thinking in rural communities The Rural Way is for those ready to think bigger, lead stronger, and build without limitations; no matter where they're located. Let's connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker

    18 min

  5. May 8

    01: Welcome to The Rural Way | Why Rural Businesses Need Their Own Voice

    What does it really take to build a business in a rural community? In this first episode of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker introduces a new podcast dedicated to rural entrepreneurs, small-town businesses, and life outside the city. She shares her personal journey into consulting and business, and why she believes rural communities need their own space for real conversations. This episode explores: - The realities of rural business and entrepreneurship - The mindset required to grow outside urban environments - The challenges and opportunities in remote communities - Breaking limiting beliefs around small-town success - Building connection and community among rural entrepreneurs The Rural Way is a podcast for those doing business differently where success is built through resilience, community, and a unique way of life. Let's connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker

    24 min

  6. Jan 27

    The Last Episode of Grit & Grace

    This is the very last episode of Grit and Grace with Tracy.  Inside this episode I share why this show had to come to an end, and I give you a bit of a peak about what is coming next.  Thank you so much to everyone who has tuned in over the years.  I have learned so much, and it's been such a great experience.

    10 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    E62 Experience vs Wisdom

    Have you ever met someone wise beyond their years and wondered how they got there? If you are the kind of person that likes to extract the lessons learned and wisdom from the circumstances in your life, then you will appreciate this episode.  If someone you know is going through a hard season, this might also be a good episode to pass on.

    43 min

  8. 12/05/2025

    E61 Leader? or Control Freak?

    Being a leader can be hard.  It's impossible to keep everyone happy, and often women don't own their roles.  They will diminish thier roles, and not own their position.   In this conversation I explore the difference and what differenciates being a leader vs a control freak.

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Rural Way is the podcast for those of us building businesses and leading lives in places where things aren't handed to us and and success often looks a little different. I'm Tracy Schira-Parker, CPA and business strategist, and this podcast is where we talk real strategy, real money, and real leadership for rural entrepreneurs and small-town business owners. I don't believe in fluff or complicating things. Just honest conversations, practical tools, and mindset shifts that helps you grow a strong, profitable business while living the lifestyle that actually feels good to live.

Information

  • Creator
    Tracy Schira-Parker, CPA, CMA, ACC
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Rural Way